About WORC²

In early 2019, NEI General Contracting began brainstorming ideas to increase the participation of diverse contractors on its projects. In efforts to expand our diverse contractor pool, we reached out to local organizations and associations to inquire about how we could reach more contractors to engage in bidding on our projects.

Through working with contractors on our projects and speaking with many diverse business professionals and contractors we identified a need for consistent engagement and training in a variety of construction related areas. Originally NEI planned to launch this program as a series of workshops in partnership with local diverse business organizations and associations. Through speaking with diverse contractors and other construction professionals, NEI determined the best most effective method would be consistent engagement and an easily accessible location for contractors in the community. With flexible and construction focused programs and activities would be the best route for implementation to ensure the greatest participation and outcomes. The culmination of these ideas and conversations helped NEI launch the Workforce Opportunity Resource Center (WORC2) initiative in the Summer of 2020.

The goal of the Workforce Opportunity Resource Center (WORC2) is to engage a local, community‐based, and diverse workforce on all projects throughout the neighborhoods which we work in. Through established community networks NEI will work to ensure this resource benefits workers and contractors both large and small. Our particular focus will be providing workers and small businesses with “one stop shopping” for the resources and technical support promoting growth and success in either their career or business. In combination with NEI’s experience and commitment to the community, we are confident through the center we can provide meaningful and long‐term investment that workers and contractors can build on – expanding their capacity on the immediate project as well was future projects in the community.

The goal of the Workforce Opportunity Resource Center (WORC2) is to engage a local, community-based, and diverse workforce on all projects throughout the neighborhoods which we work in.